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Börek is a traditional dish from the Middle East and Central Asia that is made with flaky phyllo dough and filled with a variety of savory and sweet fillings. The most common savory fillings include cheese, ground meat, spinach, and mushrooms, while the most common sweet fillings include nuts, honey, and fruit. The dish is usually served as an appetizer or snack, but can also be served as a main course. Börek is usually made by layering sheets of phyllo dough with the desired filling, then baking it until golden brown. The dish is usually served hot, but can also be served cold. It is often garnished with fresh herbs, such as parsley or mint, and served with a side of yogurt or a sauce, such as tahini or garlic sauce. Börek is a popular vegan and gluten-free option and is known for its flaky, flavorful taste.

Tajine is a traditional North African dish that is named after the earthenware pot with a conical lid in which it is cooked. The dish is typically made with meat such as lamb or chicken, and a variety of vegetables such as onions, tomatoes, and potatoes. Tajine is often seasoned with a blend of spices such as cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, and is slow-cooked over low heat to create a rich and flavorful stew. The conical lid of the tajine pot helps to trap the steam, which allows the ingredients to cook in their own juices, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish. Tajine is a popular dish in Morocco and other North African countries, and is often served with couscous or bread.

Shakshouka is a traditional dish from the Middle East and North Africa that is made with eggs poached in a flavorful tomato sauce. The dish is usually served as a main course, and is often garnished with fresh herbs, such as parsley or mint, and served with a side of bread. Shakshouka is a popular vegan and gluten-free option and is known for its flavorful and comforting taste. The dish is usually made by simmering tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices in a skillet, then adding eggs and cooking until the eggs are poached.

Ful Medames is a traditional Middle Eastern dish that is made with fava beans that are cooked with garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. The dish is usually served hot and is often seasoned with a blend of spices such as cumin and paprika, and garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro. Ful Medames is a healthy and nutritious dish that is high in protein and fiber, and is enjoyed by many as a breakfast food or a light meal. It is a popular dish in many Middle Eastern countries, such as Egypt, Sudan, and Yemen, and is often served with pita bread or other flatbreads.

Escalivada is a traditional Catalan dish that consists of roasted vegetables, usually served as a side dish or as a tapa. The vegetables are usually roasted in a hot oven with olive oil, then served with a side of garlic aioli or a tomato-based sauce. The dish is known for its smoky, flavorful taste and is a popular vegan and gluten-free option. Escalivada is usually made with a combination of eggplant, bell peppers, and onions, but other vegetables, such as zucchini and mushrooms, can also be used. The dish is often garnished with fresh herbs, such as parsley or mint. Escalivada is a popular dish throughout Catalonia.

Baba ghanoush is a Middle Eastern dish that is made from roasted or grilled eggplant that is mashed and blended with tahini, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice. The mixture is then seasoned with a blend of spices such as cumin and paprika, and garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley. Baba ghanoush has a creamy and smoky flavor that is rich and satisfying, and is often served as a dip or spread with pita bread or other flatbreads. It is a healthy and nutritious dish that is high in fiber and antioxidants. Baba ghanoush is a popular dish in Middle Eastern cuisine and can be found in many restaurants and food stalls around the world.

Koshary is a popular Egyptian dish that consists of a mixture of lentils, rice, and macaroni that is topped with a spicy tomato sauce and crispy fried onions. The dish is often served with a side of chickpeas and a tangy vinegar and garlic dressing. Koshary is a filling and satisfying meal that is enjoyed by many for its unique blend of flavors and textures. It is often considered a national dish of Egypt and is a popular street food that is sold in many food stalls and restaurants throughout the country. Koshary is a vegetarian dish that is rich in protein and fiber, and is often served as a budget-friendly and healthy meal option. It has gained popularity in recent years and can now be found in many Egyptian restaurants around the world.

Maqluba is a traditional Middle Eastern dish that originated in Palestine and is popular in many countries in the region, such as Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. The dish is made by layering rice, vegetables, and meat in a pot and then cooking them together until they are tender and fragrant. The vegetables and meat used in maqluba can vary depending on the region and the cook's preference, but common ingredients include eggplant, cauliflower, potatoes, chicken, or lamb. Once the maqluba is cooked, it is typically inverted onto a serving platter, so the top layer of rice becomes the bottom layer, giving the dish its name, which means "upside-down" in Arabic. Maqluba is often served with a side of yogurt or a salad.

Sabich is a popular Israeli street food that consists of a pita bread stuffed with fried eggplant, hard-boiled eggs, hummus, tahini sauce, and a variety of fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. The dish is often seasoned with a blend of spices such as cumin, coriander, and paprika, and can be garnished with pickles, parsley, and other herbs. It is a popular dish in Israel and can be found in many street food stalls and restaurants throughout the country. Sabich is also a popular dish in many other parts of the world and is often considered a classic Israeli dish.

Mansaf is a traditional Jordanian dish that consists of lamb cooked in a fermented yogurt sauce and served over a bed of rice. The lamb is typically cooked with a blend of spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, and cumin, and is simmered in a tangy yogurt sauce made with jameed, a type of dried yogurt. The dish is often garnished with toasted almonds, pine nuts, and fresh parsley or mint. Mansaf is a festive dish that is often served during special occasions such as weddings or religious holidays, and is considered a symbol of hospitality and generosity in Jordanian culture. It is typically eaten with the hands, and guests are often encouraged to share a single large platter of mansaf to emphasize the communal nature of the dish.

Shanklish is a traditional Middle Eastern cheese that is made from cow or sheep milk that is formed into small balls and then aged in a mixture of salt and spices such as thyme, sumac, and red pepper. The aging process gives the cheese a tangy and pungent flavor that is often described as similar to blue cheese. Shanklish can be eaten on its own or used as a topping for salads, sandwiches, or flatbreads. Shanklish is often used as a substitute for feta or other cheeses in Mediterranean dishes and can be found in many specialty food stores and Middle Eastern markets around the world.

Manakish is a traditional Middle Eastern flatbread that is similar to pizza, often eaten for breakfast or as a snack. The flatbread is typically made from a mixture of flour, water, and yeast, and is topped with a variety of ingredients such as za'atar (a mixture of herbs and spices), cheese, minced meat, or vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, or olives. The toppings are often mixed with olive oil or labneh (strained yogurt) to enhance the flavor. Manakish is baked in a wood-fired oven, giving it a crispy texture on the outside and a soft and chewy texture on the inside. It is a popular street food in many Middle Eastern countries, including Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan, and is often served with a side of fresh vegetables or pickles.

Kibbeh is a traditional Middle Eastern dish that is made from ground meat, usually beef or lamb, that is mixed with bulgur wheat, onion, and a blend of spices. The mixture is typically shaped into small balls or patties and then fried or baked until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Kibbeh can also be made in a casserole-style dish with layers of the meat and bulgur mixture and a variety of fillings such as pine nuts, onions, or ground meat. The dish is often seasoned with a blend of spices such as cumin, coriander, and allspice, and can be served with a side of yogurt or a fresh salad. Kibbeh is a popular dish in many Middle Eastern countries such as Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq. It is often served at special occasions such as weddings or birthdays and is considered a symbol of hospitality and generosity in Middle Eastern culture.

Meze is a type of small-plate dining that is popular in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. It consists of a variety of small dishes that are served as appetizers or snacks, often accompanied by alcoholic beverages, such as wine or raki. Meze dishes can vary depending on the region and the restaurant, but common dishes include hummus, tzatziki, baba ghanoush, dolmades, tabbouleh, and falafel, among others. Meze is often served in a communal setting, with diners sharing the different dishes and enjoying a leisurely meal that is meant to be savored and enjoyed over an extended period of time. Meze is a social and convivial dining experience that is enjoyed by many for its variety of flavors and textures and its emphasis on sharing and community.

Harira is a traditional Moroccan soup that is usually served during Ramadan, as it is considered a nourishing and filling meal to break the fast. The soup is made with a base of tomatoes, lentils, and chickpeas, and is often flavored with a blend of spices such as cumin, coriander, and ginger. The soup can also contain lamb or beef, and is typically thickened with flour or egg yolks to give it a creamy texture. Harira is often served with a side of dates and a sweet pastry, such as chebakia, for a balanced and complete meal.

Pastilla, also known as bastilla, is a traditional Moroccan savory pastry that is typically served as an appetizer or a main dish. The pastry is made with layers of phyllo dough that are filled with a mixture of shredded chicken or pigeon, almonds, and a blend of spices such as cinnamon and saffron. The filling is often sweetened with honey or sugar, and can also contain eggs and caramelized onions. Once the pastry is assembled, it is baked in the oven until crispy and golden brown. Pastilla is often garnished with powdered sugar and cinnamon, and is served hot and crispy. It is a popular dish in Moroccan cuisine and is often served at special occasions such as weddings or religious holidays.

Qatayef is a Middle Eastern dessert that is commonly served during the month of Ramadan. It is made from a special batter that is poured onto a hot griddle to create small, pancake-like discs. The batter is flavored with rose water and orange blossom water, giving it a delicate and fragrant aroma. Once the discs are cooked, they are filled with a sweet mixture of ricotta cheese, crushed pistachios, and sugar and then folded into a crescent shape. The filled qatayef is then fried until crispy and golden brown and is often served with a drizzle of sweet syrup made from sugar, water, and lemon juice. It is a popular dish in many Middle Eastern countries, such as Lebanon, Syria, and Egypt, and is often served during special occasions and celebrations.

Matbucha is a popular Israeli side dish that is made from roasted red peppers, tomatoes, and garlic that are cooked together until they form a thick and chunky sauce. The dish is often flavored with a blend of spices such as cumin, paprika, and chili powder, and can be served hot or cold. Matbucha is a healthy and nutritious dish that is high in antioxidants and is often enjoyed as a dip or spread with pita bread or other flatbreads. It is a staple in Israeli cuisine and is often served as part of a mezze platter, alongside other small dishes such as hummus and baba ghanoush. Matbucha is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit different tastes and preferences.